About Washington DC
Acting as the nation's capital for over 200 years now, Washington DC is a city with a rich past and has played an important role in the history of America. Today, Washington DC is known for its diversity and acceptance of everyone, as it declared the freedom of its slaves nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation and is currently one of the most gay-friendly cities in the USA, recognizing same sex marriage five years before it became a right in 2015.
The city grew slowly at first, being completely destroyed after the War of 1812 but eventually expanded into the international center of power that it is today. The 68 square mile area is home to over 700,000 people and the second busiest subway system in the United States. This town has many museums to explore, including the famous Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, an array of shopping and dining options and the world’s largest library.
Gathering Location Options in Washington DC
If you are planning to meet with a group of friends, colleagues or family, you will need to have a gathering space. This place will need to be somewhere that is comfortable, big enough for everyone and has great amenities so that you and your guests can have a good time.
- Refreshments
It is nice to have food and drinks available for everyone at your Washington DC gathering location. There are a lot of restaurants, cafes and catering businesses in this city, consider hiring one of them to provide food at your venue.
- Seating
Your gathering space will need chairs or couches for everyone to sit. Depending on what you are planning to do there, you may also need tables or other furnishings. Make sure you have everything you need for all of your guests to be comfortable at your event.
- Decorations
If you are using the get-together venue to celebrate something or just to meet up with old friends, it can be nice to decorate the room. Consider adding flowers, tabletops, banners or other decor to make your space look the best it can be.
Gathering Location Companies in Washington DC
When you are starting to set up your venue, be sure to check out all of the local companies that can be found in DC.
- Mindy’s Catering Inc.
This family-owned catering company has been operating since 2000 and can provide you and your guests with meals personalized to your tastes. They can come to serve your guests at your event or provide individually boxed meals if you’d rather serve yourselves.
- CORT Furniture Rental
CORT Furniture Rental is a company that offers temporary rentals for chairs, tables and other furniture suited either for home, offices or events. You can find some great furnishings here to make your venue comfortable and stylish for a good price.
- Patrick’s Fine Linen & Home Decor
At Patrick’s Fine Linen & Home Decor you can buy everything that you need to decorate your gathering location in a spectacular fashion. They have lamps and lighting suitable for indoor or outdoor venues, napkins, placemats and other accessories that can add the perfect details to your venue.
Pros and Cons of Gathering Locations in Washington DC
Every city has pros and cons, and DC is no exception. Be sure to research and confirm that the city you choose is right for you.
Advantages
- Amazing history
Washington DC is a city that has been through a lot, and there is no denying that it has an amazing history and culture. In total, there are about 160 monuments to visit and more than 70 museums that can teach you about the arts and history of the city.
- Great job opportunities
Whether you are visiting Washington DC for a short time or planning to stay here for a while, it is good to note that the city has a competitive job market and is a great place to grow a career. There are lots of employment sectors available for people in different fields, which is another bonus of this town.
- Friendly
This city has a reputation of being accepting and welcoming to everyone. You can find a variety of ethnicities and cultures here, and it is also one of the most LGBTQ-friendly places in the United States. Anyone who comes to DC for a get-together will feel at home.
Disadvantages
- Congested roads
One downside of Washington DC is the traffic. The city is already dense with a big population for its size and also gets a lot of tourists on top of that. This can lead to busy streets, making it hard to get around town by car.
- Poverty and cost of living
Washington DC is one of the more expensive places to visit, and you might have to spend extra on things like food, supplies and services. As well, a significant number of the population are under the poverty line and there is a notable income inequality between the rich and poor.
- Hot summers and cold winters
Although the spring and autumn seasons are pleasant in Washington DC, summers can be very humid and winters are cold. It can be difficult to plan activities during these seasons, so keep this in mind when you are making decisions about your gathering.
Famous Locations in Washington DC
- The White House
This establishment was first built by James Hoban in the year 1792 but was destroyed in 1814. It was then reconstructed in 1818 and has served as home to every president of the United States with the exception of President George Washington, who did not live to see it completed. It is an iconic part of Washington DC and is a must-see for everyone who visits. You can appreciate the exterior for free, or pay for a guided tour of some of the rooms. As well, anyone can go to the White House Visitor Center free of charge, where there are fun interactive exhibits and artifacts from past presidents.
- National Museum of American History
One of this city’s many museums is the National Museum of American History where you can learn about the history of America dating after the Revolution. Here you can find important artifacts throughout history, like one of Edison’s light bulbs, the desk of Thomas Jefferson and the flag that influenced the words of the Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key. Other interesting exhibits show how people dressed, ate, worked and played throughout history.
- Washington National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral is one of the world’s biggest and was constructed from 1907 to 1990, taking 83 years to complete. It is an impressive work of architecture that is full of detail and follows the techniques and style associated with Gothic infrastructure. You can learn all about the secrets hidden in the designs through a guided tour, or explore the medieval-styled Bishop’s Garden found on the south side of the cathedral.